Cornelius means in the bible: Peter Acts 10 baptizes Cornelius, a centurion in Caesarea. Cornelius was probably the first Gentile to enter the Church after he had not been a proselyte of Judaism. This is why he was baptized by Peter Acts 10. Others had also joined the Church but had converted to Judaism prior to becoming Christians. This caused little controversy among Jewish Christians who believed Christianity had some connections with Judaism.
(in Bible Dictionary)
